When you get involved in an accident, you will need monetary compensation to deal with sudden expenses such as medical treatment and loss of wages. In most cases, you’ll have to file a personal injury claim with your insurance company. However, navigating the claims process can be a stressful exercise.
If you want to kick start the process and obtain a fair settlement, our Lafayette personal injury attorneys are here to make the most of your claim. Here are a few steps to file and maximize your financial payment:
>> Inform the Insurance Company:
If you’ve sustained injuries in an accident, the first step to follow is to inform the insurance company. It’s your insurance company that is accountable for covering the costs of your physical injuries. Thus, it’s crucial to get in touch with your insurance company without the slightest delay. Again, your insurance company may not succeed in covering the full extent of your injuries. In case someone else is liable for your accident and damages, you can file a claim with the defendant’s insurance company also.
The time you get to notify the insurance company depends on the company’s policies. However, most insurance companies will deny accepting your claim if you don’t file it within the deadline.
>> Collect Evidence:
Once you’ve informed the insurance company that you want to file a claim, it’s your responsibility to act promptly. You need to provide specific details about your accident, such as:
- Time, date, and location of the accident
- Deaths and injuries caused by the accident
- Insurance information of the people involved
Once you have all the details of your accident, you are eligible to submit your claim.
>> Prepare Your Demand Letter:
Your demand letter should ideally explain about your damages. And you have the right to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Thus, investigate your accident and collect evidence to support your claim. Some of the relevant details to collect, include:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Pictures of your physical injuries
- Video footage of the accident scene
- Statements from the medical professionals
It’s advisable to provide evidence that persuades the insurance company to pay for injuries. The more evidence you have to validate your demand, the better is your chance to obtain the compensation you need.
>> Consider the Settlement Offer:
Insurance adjusters must work in good faith. Once you submit the demand letter, the insurance company is mandated to consider it. However, some insurers may not respond to your demand and intentionally postpone it. Once you receive the offer, it’s important to analyze the merits and ask yourself if the offer covers all the costs related to the injuries. After complete evaluation if you feel that the insurance company has undervalued your claim, you can always reject the offer and get in touch with seasoned attorneys.
How Our Lafayette Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help
Having the support of competent personal injury lawyers by your side can help you to receive a fair settlement. Our Lafayette personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of L. Clayton Burgess have years of experience in fighting for the money you deserve. If you are dissatisfied with the compensation, we’ll review the case and help you understand your rights.
For further legal queries and assistance, get in touch with us at (877) 234-7573
